The government has been talking about and legislating on it; and we have all felt its impact, in one way or another at some stage in our lives. Whether professionally or personally, creating a good balance between work and the rest of life is paramount for wellbeing. But for many of us, it’s not so easy to achieve. Take a look at the hints and tips to see if you can improve your situation and create a better work/ life balance.
Walking the Tightrope
The government has decided that the lives of many are completely out of balance and are legislating to help redress the problem. Is there a problem though? Isn’t it that we always work hard- then we can have the car, house, or a holiday? Surely all those time-saving electronic devices are allowing us just that- to save time? What is the reality?
What the statistics say:
- 25% of managers polled by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) cited information overload as their main cause of stress in the workplace
- Ill health costs the country £100 billion per year, with stress affecting as many as one in five workers, accounting for approximately 13.4 million working days lost per year
- Unity Personnel in Leeds polled workers: two thirds of whom would choose a shorter journey to work over the perfect job
- 50% of the working population are unhappy in their career
- Only 2.5% of employers nationwide help working parents with childcare costs
- 1 in 6 British workers feel unfulfilled at work and 43% have looked at taking a sabbatical, mostly to volunteer with charities
- A government survey indicated 92% of employers would consider a request to change working hours for employees
- Congestion at peak commuting times costs £20 billion per year
- Workers in the UK have the second longest average daily commute in Europe, spending on average 29 days per year getting to and from work, about 5 years over their working life
- Of small and medium sized businesses surveyed, 74% have introduced flexible working practices
- 88% of workers polled by REED, believe their employers should provide health and wellbeing incentives; 81% suggesting it would improve productivity and motivation
An apocryphal quote, attributed to most of the world’s leading corporations:
‘If you don’t come in on Saturday, then don’t bother being at your desk on Sunday’'
Tips and Hints to Balance the Scales
When thinking about all the things we need to get on the scales, let alone balance out, panic is likely to set in! It might help to remember, that everyone’s scales will look different and what is balanced for you may not be the same as the next person.
Prioritise and Perspective
Rather than trying to get all of everything in your life in equilibrium, try concentrating on the top 3 things that would benefit from some more time or attention. Analyse your values. Consider what made you passionate about your job/ career in the first place - is that still the same thing you are working all hours for? Remember: no one ever regretted not spending enough time at work!
Time Management or YOU Management?
One of the best things I ever read about time: ‘Time is fluid. It cannot be manipulated. It cannot be stopped. It cannot be lost. It cannot be saved or spent’. Time management is less about time and more about how you’re using the hours in the day. What are you doing with the time you are given in a day?
Say ‘No’
What is the worst that will happen if you don’t answer that email straight away and get on with your lunch break instead? Or if you divert that call to voicemail and get on with reading to your son? Or if you say ‘no’ to colleagues and ‘yes’ to friends or family?
Practice Makes Perfect
Try it, just for one day; an hour even. Try living like your life is already balanced, or in tune and running as you want it. See what happens.
Ask for Help
If you know this is not something you can do on your own, ask for help. Try gaining clarity, taking action and achieving success with Aspiring Change.
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